So, welcome to my adventure in learning landscape and outdoor photography.
I aim to embrace the world of breathtaking landscapes, where the beauty of nature is captured in every frame. Join me on an unforgettable adventure as I delve into learning everything there is to learn about Outdoor and Landscape photography.
I would love to try and photograph everything, from majestic mountains to cascading waterfalls, and serene sunsets. This page will take you through my intended journey of learning and mastering the art of capturing nature’s beauty.
Why?
Every time I click the shutter, I want to learn something. Whether that be the power of composition, an effect the lighting may have, or how my equipment settings can make or break an image.
My goal was to not just document these picturesque scenes but to evoke emotions and transport viewers to the very heart of the landscape itself.
Through practice, I want to learn the importance of patience, timing, and lighting. Whether it is waking up before sunrise to capture the beautiful morning light or waiting for the perfect moment when the waves crash against the shore, I want to learn.
Capturing the essence of a landscape can evoke powerful emotions in the viewer, transporting them to the very heart of the scene. Whether it’s the majestic peaks of a mountain range, the calming rhythm of a waterfall, or the serene beauty of a sunset. Each image has the potential to inspire, soothe, and ignite the imagination.
I want to be the maker of these photos. To share what I see with the viewer, and put them in the exact spot I was when I clicked the shutter. Most of my adventures out will be documented. Either here, under my On Location section, or of course, over on my YouTube channel.
So, stay tuned, and get ready to join me on an adventure that will hopefully ignite my creative spirit and open my eyes to the wonders of the natural world. I am going to capture nature’s beauty, one click at a time.
My History
I have been earning a living full-time from photography since 2009. Sports Photography has been my main genre and has kept me busy since then.
But now I want and need a change. I want to explore the other end of the photography spectrum. To me, it is a polar opposite.
Sports photography is fast-moving, following action, and capturing the essence of an activity.
Landscape photography is almost the polar opposite. You look, analyse, contemplate. Set up, dial-in settings that will work for the scene you looking at, and the effect you want to portray.
There is one common thing between them though. Making sure you capture that one moment in time that will never be captured again. Not exactly like that anyway.
Learning Landscape Photography – The Equipment
Yes, I can take photos with my phone. And yes, I do not have to spend thousands on new camera gear before I start learning Landscape Photography. However, I am lucky enough to be able to use what I have already.
This is the gear list that I will use for my landscape adventure.
Camera Bodies
Canon R5 – Full frame 45mp beast that was released in 2020. I have only recently purchased this, and I am looking forward to putting it to the test
Canon R6 – a very capable camera, and I have been using this for 3 years. This will now become my video camera, recording videos for my YouTube channel
Lenses
I have 5 decent lenses and will be using a couple more than the others, but it is good to have them all to draw on when needed.
A)RF 14-35 F L IS USM – A Brilliant wide angle lens
B) RF 24-105mm f4L IS USM – A great medium zoom lens for landscape, and for having something with a little bit more of a reach.
C) RF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM – Something with a longer reach. Something to compress that background, and also the option to get a little bit closer to wildlife.
D) EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM – A super zoom. Something that has been in my bag for years as it is a perfect sports lens. Equally perfect at wildlife, compressing those landscape shots, and perhaps the distant peaks of mountains.
E) RF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM – Great for close ups and detail shots. The 1:1 magnification means the detail you can see in your subject is amazing.
Other Gear
Here is the list of the gear considered to be important for not just learning Landscape Photography, but also having in your bag to cater for most situations.
Tripods – This K&F Tripod is my current tripod. I have only used it a few times, but my first impressions are that it is solid, easy to adjust, and very light. To be able to have a carbon fibre tripod for £170 is a bargain! Definitely recommend.
I also have this tripod – the Neewer LT32. It’s ok. Things I do not like about this are it is not quite tall enough, and the quick-release mechanism for the ball head makes it difficult to do micro-adjustments. I now use this tripod for my video camera. Being Carbon fibre it is very easy to carry around, even with my R6 attached.
Filters – Another K&F purchase. I have the following 5 in 1 kit that contains 3 ND filters, plus an adapter, and a GND filter. The good thing is, they are magnetic, and click on the adapter you have screwed to the lens.
I also have a Circular Polarising Filter. At the time of typing, I am still trying to get used to this, but I understand under what conditions they perform best.
I am not going to list all the cards, batteries etc, but if I do not get good photographs, it won’t be because of the gear!!!
Learning Landscape Photography – Things I must work on
Composition is the foundation of any great landscape photograph, guiding the viewer’s eye through the frame and creating a visually compelling image. As I get out more and take more photos, I must develop a keen understanding of the principles of composition and how to apply them effectively.
I understand the basics, ie leading lines, rule of thirds and having a foreground interest for example. Yes, I know all these rules can be broken, but they are a great starting point.
My challenge is putting those elements together in the location I find myself in. In other words, seeing a composition worth shooting.
This, more than anything, is what I need to work on.
Mastering the art of composition takes time and practice but with a keen eye and an understanding of these fundamental principles. I hope I can improve my landscape photography.
Patience is another important element. When I get to a location, I often decide in 5 minutes whether or not there is a picture. I do not wait for the light. Rarely do I look around much. I decide there isn’t, and move on. I do need to exercise patience, and in doing so, must accept that every outing is not going to result in a photograph.
Learning Landscape Photography – Mastering Exposure and Lighting Techniques
Capturing the perfect landscape photograph is not just about composition. It’s also about mastering the technical aspects of exposure and lighting. These elements work hand-in-hand to create images that are both visually stunning and technically sound.
Lighting is another critical component of landscape photography. It can dramatically impact the mood, depth, and overall impact of images. The golden hour, the period just after sunrise and just before sunset, is often considered the best time for landscape photography, as the warm, soft light can create a magical, ethereal quality.
However, many other lighting conditions can be equally compelling. Such as the dramatic shadows and highlights of the midday sun or the moody, atmospheric light of an overcast day. I must admit, I tend to give up when the harsh lighting comes out, but perhaps I shouldn’t.
Some Tips for Capturing Stunning Landscapes
Landscape photography is ever-changing, and after watching videos, reading books and magazines and going out on a couple of shoots I have learnt the following.
As I have already mentioned, one of the most important tips is to be patient and persistent. I may need to wait for the right lighting conditions. It may be necessary to keep going back to the same place to get a better image.
Learning landscape photography will not happen overnight, and persistence will be key.
On one of my original shoots, I could have got a better viewpoint of my subject, but I refused to trample over the ferns in the forest.
It’s so important to be respectful of where I am, and make sure I stick to paths. We (everyone, not just photographers) have a responsibility to protect and preserve the places we go/photograph.
Ultimately, I want to enjoy the process. Many YouTubers I have watched have repeated that Landscape photography is not just about the photo. It’s about the journey of exploration, discovery, and connection with the natural world. I hope the more I embrace the joy of the process, the more my passion for landscape photography will be obvious in my images.
Conclusion
So, I invite you to join me on this ongoing adventure. Perhaps I will inspire you to pick up your camera and to embark on your own journey of discovery and artistic expression.
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As I take photos, I see the world in a different light. Often at times of the day, I would not normally be out in. I may not make award-winning images. I may not produce photos that people will want hanging on their walls. But, I will enjoy the process of learning all I can about landscape and outdoor photography.